Beyond the Science-Politics Divide in Public Health

This panel discussion challenged the idea that public health regulation is a binary choice between science and politics. Drawing on examples like drug approval, tobacco control, and gain-of-function research, panelists explored how science and politics are intertwined in regulatory decision-making, and how that mix (and tension) manifests differently in the U.S. and Canada. The discussion also addressed misinformation in public health and how it impacts decision making. Samuel Bagenstos University of Michigan Law Former General Counsel, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Prativa Baral Faculty Associate, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health Patrick Fafard Faculties of Social Science and Medicine Research Chair in Science Diplomacy University of Ottawa David Sweanor (Moderator) Faculty of Law University of Ottawa March 24, 2025 University of Ottawa